“Sometimes we have thoughts that even we don’t understand. Thoughts that aren’t even true-that aren’t really how we feel-but they’re running through our heads anyway because they’re interesting to think about.” – Jay Asher
The mind is a complex thing. For many, it’s like the devil on your shoulder; an invisible being filling your head with intrusive thoughts that can affect your soul whether you like it or not. Combine this with life’s sometimes devastating hardships and too easily we are led down the dark path towards depression.
With the recent deaths of the beloved Kate Spade and extremely talented Anthony Bourdain, the topic of depression has taken center stage. But for many, depression is a hard concept to understand. Why didn’t they ever seem sad? Why didn’t they ask for help?
It’s a common misconception that those who are suffering from an illness have a tangible symptom like loss of hair or the need for a wheelchair. Depression is a silent killer, affecting your most intimate self and striking when you’re most vulnerable. To the outside world, you may seem like a happy, lively person (i.e. Robin Williams – rest in peace), but behind closed doors the intense sadness takes over like a dark cloud on your soul. A cloud that makes you feel like giving up time and time again.
There is no one-size-fits-all warning sign of depression, but pay close attention to your friends and loved ones. Short-term sadness is normal, as we all struggle at times in our lives. However, if you notice a loved one is withdrawing from social interaction, has low energy, is always sleeping or has changes in appetite, they may need help. Be their voice when they can’t speak for themselves. If need be take help of professionals in diagnosing the problems. There are several clinics who offer help regarding this matter. Alternatively, medical herbs could also prove to be beneficial. Various strains of medical marijuana (like sleestack strain, blue cheese strain, and blueberry strain) could help in wiping away PTSD, stress, depression, and other mental disorders. If you want to discover more about the health benefits offered by these plants, consider visiting pages like I Love Growing Marijuana.
Anyways, have you ever thought how surprising life is! In times of bliss, it seems that humanity’s most pressing issues are ignored. In times of tragedy, these issues are thrust in the spotlight only to be forgotten over the course of time. Don’t let that be your reality, start making a change. You never know whose life you could be saving.
National suicide prevention hotline: 1-800-273-8255
